Why Is JD Power Reporting that EVs and Hybrids Have More Problems Than Gas-Powered Vehicles?

Learn more about J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study, which surprisingly, reveals that EV reliability is taking a big hit compared to gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.
Written by Jason Crosby
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Most of the time, solid
EV
reliability almost seems guaranteed—they have fewer moving parts, and so on. Though both EVs and hybrids are depicted as experiencing fewer problems than gas and diesel-powered vehicles, the truth may depict a different story. 
J.D. Power recently reported that EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles are experiencing higher instances of mechanical issues and other problems compared to ICE vehicles. Whatever the causes may be, it’s a sign for EV owners to prioritize vehicle maintenance, even though EVs seem deceptively easy to upkeep. 
EVs having more issues than ICE vehicles may surprise you—and we get that. But there’s no reason to let expensive
insurance premiums
sneak up on you. Take a look at what you could be saving today. 

J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study highlights spotty EV reliability

JD Power’s
recent survey published its report, and the results were pretty surprising. Industry-wide, problems per 100 vehicles rose 11%, averaging out to a shocking 180 problems per 100 vehicles. The same 2022 survey found that EV owners cited 39% more problems than the owners of ICE vehicles. 
It gets worse, though. EV and PHEV owners reported around 240 problems per 100 vehicles compared to 175 issues per 100 vehicles for gas-engine models. The biggest loser in terms of EV reliability was
Tesla
, who, in their J.D. Power survey debut, displayed 226 problems per 100 vehicles.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

What’s causing EV reliability to tank? 

TechCrunch
highlights that EV reliability ratings could be affected by the pandemic, as well as staggered production cycles, worker layoffs, chip shortages, and of course, sporadic COVID outbreaks. That may also be why only owners of nine of the 33 surveyed brands indicated that vehicle quality had improved. 
The other issue may have less to do with the car, and more to do with the owner. First-time EV buyers especially may not yet be adept at understanding how to navigate tech-savvy controls, as well as knowing when to head to the charging station without “driving on empty”. 
MORE: Safety Is Becoming the Focal Point of Electric Cars

Which brand has the best overall EV reliability rating?

Buick
, of all names, has risen to the top of J.D. Power’s quality control ratings. It seems that GM’s desire to win back some of the brand’s former prestige and image is starting to pay off. 
But perhaps this makes sense; GM plans on turning Buick into a completely electric lineup by 2030. With several more years to keep up their EV reliability, these kinds of results make us really start looking forward to vehicle’s like the Buick Electra Wildcat. 
MORE: Five Coolest Buick Concept Cars

EV reliability could affect your insurance rates—Jerry can help you keep your premiums lower

Don’t let questionable EV reliability ratings affect your insurance premiums, when there’s
Jerry
, a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. But don’t worry about buying tiny office furniture: Jerry is an app. Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete, and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings